Nkosindiphile Xhakaza’s uncontested election to Ekurhuleni mayoral office highlights the city’s journey through uncertainty and delays following the removal of the former mayor and challenging negotiations among parties.

These negotiations revolved around the city’s leadership following the removal of former mayor Sivuyile Ngodwana.

“We will work to restore stability. I will be more consultative and ensure we govern in the interest of the collective parties in council. Our priorities are to ensure sustainable provision of basic services,” he said in his acceptance speech.

Xhakaza, a member of the ANC and the Ekurhuleni regional task team, previously served as the MMC for group corporate and shared services under Ngodwana’s tenure, as well as the finance and economic development MMC under former ANC mayor Mzwandile Masina.

The DA’s decision not to nominate a mayoral candidate or support an ActionSA nominee led to the collapse of efforts to re-establish a multiparty government.

“Unless we had support from others like ANC or EFF, we are not able to take back the mayoral seat. We decided not to collapse the council and to hold whoever is mayor accountable for performance,” said DA caucus leader Tania Campbell.

Campbell also noted her upcoming meeting with Xhakaza on Monday to address ongoing issues in Ekurhuleni and propose solutions for service delivery concerns.

ActionSA, the party behind Ngodwana’s removal, expressed disappointment with the DA’s stance to not support the party’ consideration to nominate a mayoral candidate.

Siyanda Makhubo, the ActionSA Ekurhuleni caucus leader, affirmed, “We will remain critical when it comes to service delivery.”

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi emphasised the establishment of a multiparty mayoral committee.
“Negotiations were tough,” he remarked regarding debates about nominations for mayor.

“We acknowledge this metro’s potential, and history demonstrated it can manage itself. The reality is we have encountered hiccups. Xhakaza must lead the council and not favor any particular side sitting in the chambers,” Lesufi said.

In response to concerns about another potential collapse, Lesufi expressed optimism that such an event would not recur.